Telescope Reviews: iOptron GotoNova Kit

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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

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GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2417058 - 05/24/08 01:00 PM

Hi Steve,
I don't see a problem with supplying a link to a website. If you provide good service that's what we all want on CN.

What I have noticed during the past 12 months is that some people really slag off Bill Gates and Microsoft and nothing is said. As soon as someone mentions a vendor or manufacturer they have had a problem with they get jumped on.

Go on Steve give us a link to someone who cares about customer service.

The customer of yours I spoke to was a wicked woman from Groton

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2417677 - 05/24/08 09:19 PM

Glen:

OK! You asked for it! The web site is: www.Trapeziumtelescopes.com. It is a work in progress, so, be gentle with it! LOL Feel free to pass it around and if I can be of service to anyone, I most certainly will do my best.

NOW I know with whom you spoke!! LOL

Clear skies,

Steve

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2418626 - 05/25/08 01:00 PM

Thanks Steve,I will have a look around later.

Good luck in the new venture.

Post Extras:

amys
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/12/06

Loc: Groton, CT

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2421212 - 05/26/08 06:35 PM

Quote:

s

The customer of yours I spoke to was a wicked woman from Groton

My ears are burning and now I know why.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: amys]
#2421224 - 05/26/08 06:43 PM

I honestly didn't mention any names at all.Steve knew right away who it was

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: J_D_Metzger]
#2422888 - 05/27/08 03:45 PM

Hi JD,
I now see what you mean about the DEC axis.May need about 020" shim in there.I did notice lots of end float in the DEC motor but I don't think it will be a problem. I had to do a little surgery on the plastic cases. Sorted that today.

I switched on and couldn't smell burning(always a good start that).The mount is not that noisy either. At the moment I am just playing around indoors with the controller.To my surprise I found it quite easy to use.

The weather is not good at the moment so I'm going to have to wait a while to get her outdoors.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2423344 - 05/27/08 07:03 PM

Just another update(tell me if you're getting board) According to my destructions the mount is supposed to remember the time and date with a back up battery. This does not seem to be working. I can't seem to find a back up battery in the cicuit. Unless I've missed the 'tag' for it

Post Extras:

Gary
sage

Reged: 06/12/05

Loc: Southeast, Ga

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2423406 - 05/27/08 07:30 PM

Glen,
It looks as if you have to have the a GPS unit connected. Page 10 under getting started.
CS
Gary

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Gary]
#2423413 - 05/27/08 07:36 PM

Cheers Gary I will have a look at that. I only got a 4 page destruction manual. I'll go to the website and have a look.

Thanks Again.

Clear Skies.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Gary]
#2423425 - 05/27/08 07:46 PM

Got it now. I didn't have that manual with the unit.Could have saved some time so to speak.

That was a great help THANKS.

Post Extras:

---Ozzy---
newbie

Reged: 09/14/07

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2890860 - 01/27/09 11:24 AM

Will the GotoNova kit work with a Celestron Ci-700 mount?

What about a G11 mount?

I am excellent with modifing. Like using 2 dremel tools, one to spin the part, the other to modify it

What would be required to get it to work with the Ci-700 and G11 mounts (will the motors need to be changed, gearing/belts, ect) ?

Thanks!
Oz

Post Extras:

jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more

Reged: 04/30/03

Loc: NE Ohio

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: ---Ozzy---]
#2890867 - 01/27/09 11:29 AM

Quote:

Will the GotoNova kit work with a Celestron Ci-700 mount?

Hi, Ozzy - welcome to Cloudy Nights!

I don't know the answer to your question, but if you fabricate brackets to do it, please make an extra set for me!

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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: jrcrilly]
#2891004 - 01/27/09 12:58 PM

There IS a back up battery inside the 8401 controller. If the clock is not keeping up then the battery may be depleted. I have not yet needed to change one, though.

If anyone needs THE manual for installation then drop a note to me via my corporate email and I can send along the manual that we wrote for it. It includes some really average pictures, but, it is pretty thorough.

The GOTONOVA is designed for the CG5 class of mount. It requires a final gear ratio of 144:1. I have never even considered trying it on those mounts because I don't have either of them available. If the worm and wheel are indeed a 144:1 ratio then anything is possible, I suppose.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Now, about that wicked woman from Groton who was SUPPOSED to join me for an observing session... I'm waiting! One of these days I will get HER hooked on the Mini Tower and then things will never be the same! LOL

CS

Steve

Post Extras:

---Ozzy---
newbie

Reged: 09/14/07

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2891221 - 01/27/09 02:55 PM

The G11 and Ci-700 is 360:1 ratio.

Is there a chance to make it work, EG by changing software(firmware).

If not, any other suggestions to make my Ci-700 or G11 a goto, gemini at $1500 is not an option right now.

Thanks
Oz

Post Extras:

jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more

Reged: 04/30/03

Loc: NE Ohio

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: ---Ozzy---]
#2891230 - 01/27/09 02:58 PM

Quote:

The G11 and Ci-700 is 360:1 ratio.

The CI700 is 180:1 (like the GM-8). The G11 is 360:1.

I keep thinking about picking up a set of LXD55 motors; the Autostar does permit custom ratios.

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2891373 - 01/27/09 03:55 PM

Hi Steve,

If it's cold Steve,you have no chance with you know who. Nothing worse than a cold woman

I think now would be a good time for Amy to buy a new mount.
She did force me into buying a Mak

Hope the new year is being good to you.

Post Extras:

Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.

Reged: 08/17/07

Loc: New Hampshire

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: GlenM]
#2891596 - 01/27/09 05:56 PM

Glen:

I am not even going to NIBBLE at that bait! Oh could I ever get myself into trouble if I did! Nice try, though!

Yes, I do believe that she needs a new mount. Since you have that nice new MAK then so do you! BWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Thank you for the good wishes. We'll see just how things go and I promise to NOT go into a highly conservative rant about the political situation! Nope! Not going there at all!

Steve

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: iOptron GotoNova Kit new

[Re: Telescopeman54]
#2894029 - 01/28/09 06:17 PM

Hi Steve,

There seems to be a mini boom on equipment in the UK. Probably due to some price rises in the offing. Well,I know Baader just went up around 40%